How to Calculate the Number of W-4 Exemptions
- 1). Print a copy of Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate) from the Internal Revenue Service website.
- 2). Complete the Personal Allowances Worksheet on Form W-4 to determine the total number of allowances you are claiming.
- 3). Enter the number of exemptions for yourself, your spouse and your dependents (lines A through D).
- 4). Enter allowances also if you file as head of household on your tax return, if you have at least $1,900 of child or dependent care expenses or if you claim the Child Tax Credit (as described in lines E through G).
- 5). Add the total number of allowances on Line H.
- 6). Proceed to the worksheet on page 2 of Form W-4 if you plan to itemize deductions or claim credits or adjustments to income. If applicable, also complete the two-earners/multiple jobs worksheet on page 2.
- 7). Complete the bottom portion of page 1 after determining your total number of allowances from line H or the worksheets on page 2. Enter your name, address, social security number, filing status and number of allowances before signing and dating the form.
- 8). Detach the bottom portion of page 1 and give it to your employer. Keep the rest of page 1 and page 2 worksheets for your records.
